Sermon Snippet – Our Amen Chorus
INTRODUCTION – Every year before Christmas, I listen to Handel’s “Messiah,” an oratorio that details the life of Jesus, using passages from Scripture. Perhaps curiously, my favorite part is the “Amen Chorus,” the closing song which simply repeats the word “amen.” This word, used 78 times in the Bible (by my count), means something like “so be it” and is a term of agreement. The point of today’s message is similarly simple: we need to agree with God.
1. WE NEED TO AGREE WITH GOD THAT OTHERS ARE IMPORTANT
Psalm 41 closes, “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen” (verse 13). We note the emphasis on the eternal and unchanging character of God, indicating that we can be confident in Him. We also note the opening of this Psalm: “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble” (verse 1). David, the writer of these words, had experienced such neediness (Psalm 40:17), found that God was faithful, and now desired to emulate his Lord. We are reminded also of the astonishing and encouraging words of Jesus: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:40b). Anyone seeking purpose in life will find it in serving others in the name of our Savior.
2. WE NEED TO AGREE WITH GOD THAT HIS WORKS ARE WONDERFUL
Psalm 72:19 rejoices, “Blessed be His glorious name for ever; and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen.” Yes, the character of God is “glorious”; “He does the things others cannot do” (as a short song says). Verse 18 is specific: “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, Who only doeth wondrous things.” Because He is the “Wonderful Counsellor,” we can rightly anticipate that anything that is truly wonderful comes to us from Him. Psalm 139:14 comes to mind: “I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” May we never lose this wonder.
3. WE NEED TO AGREE WITH GOD THAT WE NEED HIS DELIVERANCE
Psalm 89 records the serious struggles of Israel, particularly the attacks of enemies. However, it ends with affirmation: “Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.” The ultimate deliverance of the nation of Israel was assured because of God’s promise. Satan’s animus against God is seen today in the anti-Jewish hatred of the godless. Yet, the Lord continues to deliver. His offer of salvation “for evermore” is available to even vile, vicious, violent people, for “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8b). The original delivery business was God’s, and it is the only one that delivers us from our sins into the family of God.
CONCLUSION – May each one of us trust in Jesus, God the Son, as Savior. May we see our need to agree with God.